Hello, wonderful blog subscribers! Happy Friday!
What’s on my mind today is based on two recent book marketing experiences that raise big questions. So, I look forward to your input.
If you read these posts, you know I recently took my books to an International Guitar Festival in Dallas. It is huge. There were tons of people. It was there I first began to ponder the thought that, in general, folks don’t read anymore. Thousands of people passed by my table, and most looked the other way. It’s true most folks were there to look at musical instruments, but all of my stories have either a primary or underlying music theme, so they fit in with the atmosphere of the event. Yes, I sold a few, but for the size of the event, the sales were minimal.
Yet, because of a deep need to maintain a positive attitude, I have to believe there will always be a core group of people who love to read stories.
However, I found some statistics that support the idea that readers are dwindling in numbers.
According to recent book reading data, Americans read three fewer books on average last year than they had in the previous three decades.
According to the Pew Research Center Survey of American Adults conducted from January 25 to February 8, 2022, around a quarter of Americans (23%) said they haven’t read a book in full or in part in the past year, whether it be in print, electronic, or audio form.
So, what does that mean for us? Do we stop putting out new stories? Do we put out less? Do we put out more?
I know many of you write because of a deep innate need to tell a story, as do I. I’d dare to say most of us never think about who will read our books while we are writing them. In a recent interview, I was asked who is my target audience and do I write specifically for them? That question gave me pause, and I had to answer honestly. When I’m writing a story, I never stop and consider who might read it. I just write it. Perhaps that’s why I’m not more successful as an author, but if I get caught up in the commercial aspect of it, all creativity dries up. And without that creative spark, we may as well put our story ideas into AI and let a robot write them.
Now, I want to go a step further in this thread of thinking and talk about freebies. At one time, readers clamored for freebies and grabbed them up. But not now. There are so many books offered for free that it no longer holds any appeal or excitement.
I recently participated in two separate group giveaways. One was with the Fresh Fiction group to gain more newsletter subscribers, and the other was a BookSweeps giveaway designed to gain more BookBub followers. The Fresh Fiction campaign gained me a handful of new subscribers, for which I am grateful. It ran for one week. The BookSweeps campaign ran for ten days, and I gained a measly 32 new BookBub followers. That is disappointing and not worth the money I spent. The first campaign I ran with BookSweeps a few years back gained me over 400 new email subscribers. So, why the big drop in interest?
It’s just my own theory, but I believe it’s directly because there’s an author on every corner giving away a book, trying to gain some traction. Readers are numb to the giveaways.
That brings me to the question of where do we go from here? How can we get people engaged and interested in reading our stories? Are we beating a proverbial dead horse? I am discouraged and weary from the whole marketing rat race.
Lots of questions without answers. I’d love to hear from each of you. Tell me your experiences, your thoughts, and, if you have one, your plan of action. At this point, I have no plan.
I do, however, have a new story or two to write. I’m not discouraged about writing the stories.
Thoughts? Ideas? Let’s talk!
Writing and Music 
Hi Jan, I came back to post my comment as I wanted to think about it. I do think that youngsters read fewer books. That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t read, they just read in a different form. My sons play computer games that involve a lot of reading, thinking and planning so they do read. Maybe books are just a bit dated now and we need to evolve our way of doing things. I have been trying to make my books more interactive with links to YT videos. I think parents still want their children to learn to read so the market for books for small children is still big. Of course, schools also buy books.
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You make a very good point, Robbie. They do read in a different form. I do think we will have to get more inventive as we progress. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. 💖
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Good observation Jan. Like you, I know the market is saturated. Once upon a time ‘free’ book had anyone who saw it, grab a copy, but that too has changed. I think we’re just living in an era where there’s just too much information, web articles, podcasts and mega streaming, and of course the phone appendages that keep so many busy. The most book readers I ever see are on vacation. I write because I love to write. It’s my communication with the world. I’m only glad I don’t have to rely on it to eat. 🙂 xx
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Exactly, Debby. If I had to rely on my book royalties to eat, I would be thin as a rail. Vacations are a wonderful time to lose one’s self in a good book. But you are right. The market is saturated, and humanity is over-stimulated, making it hard to get a book noticed amidst the noise. Thanks for chiming in!
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Hi Jan,
That picture sleeping on the computer is relatable/. 😂. I agree, it takes more effort for sure! I’m finding that they read on Kindle too which shouldn’t surprise me but I’m a book in hand girl. with that said, I don’t watch T.V. except with hubby on occasion but I’m rare..🥹
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I certainly could relate to the woman with her head on the computer, Cindy. It does take much more effort to try and market our work these days, but I have to believe there will always be readers out there! You’re not alone in that I also rarely watch TV. I much prefer to read a book. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!
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I think our lives have different cycles. There are times when we have time to read. Then there are times when we don’t while we’re trying to balance jobs and family and barely have time to catch our breaths. And then, things slow down a little and we can read again.
I also think when people go to an event, they’re focused on the ONE or TWO things they came to see, like musical instruments and guitars. When you throw books into the mix, that wasn’t on their minds when they walked through the doors, so it’s a hard sale.
I’ve had some luck with free books, not always, but usually. It helps when the book is part of a series. Sometimes, when people download the free book, they come back to buy more books in the series. But there are so many authors and books coming out every year, it’s getting harder and harder to find an audience. I’m not sure there are less readers but lots more writers. The competition is serious.
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Thank you for leaving a comment, Judi, and for reblogging. Much appreciated. I agree about events, and even though all of my books are music related unless the people stopped and talked to me at the guitar show, they didn’t know that. Good point. I also agree that life goes in cycles, and oftentimes, we barely have time to catch our breaths, much less sit down and read a book. I’m glad to hear you’ve had some luck with free books. But yes, when it is part of a series, it will often garner future sales. With so many new books coming out every year, it is getting harder to find an audience. And you may be absolutely right in that there may be the same amount of readers but lots more writers. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
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Great post–great comments. I just spend 15 minutes reading all of them! I can see why you are weary of marketing–I definitely am, too–but I’m less affected by the failure of marketing because I selected a niche genre (prehistoric fiction) so never thought I’d develop a big audience. It seems steady, not enough to support me, but what hobby is?
One positive note: Yes, TV and streamed shows are growing alternatives to reading, but have you looked at them lately? Why would I waste my time on what is being shown?
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I appreciate you chiming in, Jacqui. It’s interesting to me that you refer to your writing as a hobby. And in one sense, it is, as a hobby is an activity we enjoy away from everyday life. But I stopped viewing writing as a hobby when I made my first dollar. You are right in that your stories fit a specific niche, and luckily, it is one that is not over-saturated. I totally agree with you about TV viewing. I can scroll through hundreds of choices, then turn it off and happily pick up a book. 🙂
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I fear my teaching has also become a hobby, as my classes dwindle! My job lately seems to be taking care of the dog.
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Wow–haven’t kept up with the bad news. Here I am finally getting moving on writing (and soon publishing) more books, fewer people are likely to read them.
What I can tell you is that the overwhelming majority of people who want to join Writers Hangout (a Linked In group that I run with close to 30,000 members) are CONTENT Writers–not authors of books.
I have known for some time, that lots of people think they can write a book. Few of them understand the challenge of anyone reading it (assuming they can do a decent job writing and editing it).
But, like you, I’m not discouraged from my writing goals. Fortunately, I’m retired with the income I need without selling books. Nonetheless, I’d like the ones I write to be read. So, we just have to keep the eyes and ears open to how to reach those who DO still want to read and work to motivate more to do so. I won’t simply write to a market; I want to write what I like and find people who like what I publish.
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Thank you for your comment, John. I know we can’t let the decline in readership discourage us from writing, and for me, it doesn’t. But like you, I want people to read my stories, and that is the discouraging part. Like you, I also can’t write to a market. You’re expressing a lot of what others are saying. I think I used to be a member of Writers Hangout, and I think that’s how I met you. I need to go check it out again. But you are also correct in that writing books is completely different from writing magazine or blog content. I appreciate your insight!
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I agree with Staci’s comment & her statistics, too! I don’t think we can change the current trends, but if we really love to write, which to me is the only reason we should be doing so, then we should write our hearts out, no matter what. It’s who we are and what we feel compelled to do.
Sales and good reviews are a BONUS to my mind, and not the reason I write. Maybe I’ll never make the NY Times Best Seller List, but I’m ecstatic that I was able to publish my books anyway, and that they’ve sold far beyond what I expected. Can I live off my earnings? Nope, but I can enjoy my life better with writing being a part of it, and that’s what matters most to me.
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Well said, Marcia. I appreciate you taking the time to chime in. I think we would all agree that we write because we have stories to tell and for the love of the process. Once it reaches a point where it is no longer a joy, then it’s time to hang it up. At the same time, we would all love for readers to enjoy our work. Therein lies the dilemma. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
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Wishing you the same, Jan! 😊❤️😊
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I love to hear that your grandchildren have been taught the joy reading can bring to a young life. I’m not a parent, so my opinion might not matter, but it seems parents can have an influence on whether or not their children choose to read a book over scrolling their Facebook feed. I fell sad when I’m in the grocery stores and see young kids sitting in the grocery carts playing games on devices rather than reading a book…sigh. As for marketing…yuck…hate it! I don’t think there are any secrets other than to keep writing what you love and the readers will find you. My experience with the freebies for a newsletter sign-up has proven to be a waste of money. That said, I do given the advancement of AI, every author should have a newsletter rather than relying on social media to sell books. Recently, several author friends have had their bios that THEY WROTE rewritten on BookBub, obviously by AI. It’s quite disturbing. Thanks for a terrific post, Jan! I hope your next Friday Free For All will ask are writers burned out because of social media? 🙂 My answer is a resounding YES!
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Thank you for your comment, Jill. I do not know one single author who can say they love marketing their books. 🙂 It’s not in our makeup. How strange that authors are having their bios rewritten by AI on BookBub. That’s just crazy. Makes me want to go look. However, I don’t think I’m a big enough author for them to waste their time. Still, that’s very interesting. Next thing you know, AI will be writing our book blurbs for us. I agree that we live in a world where electronics occupy children’s hands and minds. What I hate even more is to be in a restaurant and see adults sitting together on their phones instead of conversing with each other. Sigh. It’s a new society, and I feel like a stranger. I totally agree about newsletters, which leads us to the age-old dilemma of how to get subscribers. Again, it’s all over-saturated. I get lots of newsletters in my inbox that I don’t open, yours being an exception. Yet, I stay subscribed because I don’t want the author to see that I unsubscribed. Heck, I have no answers. Just lots of questions. I very much appreciate your insight!
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For not being a parent, you seem to understand kids and books well. Both my kids love reading because we read a lot as a family. Reading hours were common. I bet you’re a great Aunt!
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I also feel like there are fewer readers out there, Jan. I’m one of those people who reads when I’m on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym or listens to a book when on the rowing machine. I’ve yet to see another person reading. You’re right about free books – there are plenty for the taking out there. Marketing has frustrated me to no end lately. Seems like nothing works. I’m appearing at my first ComicCon tomorrow and keeping my fingers crossed that the crowd will include some readers. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks, Teri, for your comment. I am crossing my fingers that you’ll have beautiful weather and lots of visitors at ComicCon! You’ll have to let us know. There is nothing that replaces one-on-one contact with potential readers.
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Can’t wait to hear how that goes!
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Jan, I remember back in the 70s and 80s and the rush of excitement I felt when an author had a booksigning at a local book store. I could hardly wait to get there and when I did, I didn’t want to leave. It was such an event and lots of people turned out. It’s not that way now. People don’t care. They really don’t. They can meet an author on every corner and get free books pushed on them right and left. Also, most of the people I meet tell me they’ve written a book. Everyone can write a book these days. It’s so easy. Sadly, the biggest majority throw a book up on Amazon that has no editing and is poorly written. I’m nearing the end of my career and I think it’ll be a relief when I have no more deadlines and constant marketing. It’ll be interesting if the stories stop filling my brain. Love you, Sister.
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Sister, I don’t think the stories will ever stop filling your brain, even if the deadlines stop. They’ve been a part of you since you were a little girl. But what you say is very true about the difference between the earlier years and nowadays as far as the thrill of meeting an author in person. As for marketing, none of us has the answer. Yet, I get emails daily promising to teach me how to sell more books, get more reviews, and become a successful author. I’ve taken a lot of classes designed to teach me, and either I’m a poor learner, or the methods change as fast as they can put them out. Anyway, I very much appreciate you chiming in on this! Love you!
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I don’t think it is a matter that there are a lot of free books being offered. It is a matter that the free book offers come with a newsletter sign-up requirement. I don’t think the average reader is against free books or books in general. I think everyone is tired of subscribing to newsletters. As far as folks not wanting to buy your books at a guitar festival, I have no answer, and maybe there were a whole group of people there who don’t read.
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It’s so hard to know, John. I agree about the newsletter sign-up in exchange for a free book, yet many say it still works. We’ll let Joan weigh in on that once she completes her upcoming campaign. But you may have hit the nail on the head. Thanks for chiming in with your comment! Have a great weekend!
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Have a great weekend too, Jan
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Jan, I agree with you. Book reading takes a back seat and Netflix wins most of the time. While trying to pass on our reading habit to my grandchildren, I’ve noticed that their iPads mean more to them than books. However, that doesn’t affect my writing. I know poetry is at the bottom of people’s mind but that has never dampened my spirit. I’ve never thought of changing my genre though I am working on fiction these days but found it more challenging than writing poetry.
I don’t like freebies, they never inspire me to read. Thanks for sharing a thought-provoking post.
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Thank you for your input, Balroop. I do think that Netflix will win out most of the time, especially in family settings, as reading is a solitary activity. I am blessed that my grandchildren still love to read, although if given an immediate choice, the games on the iPad will win out. Thankfully, the parents limit the time they can spend on electronics. I agree that poetry will always be poetry, and people who love it will always read it. Congratulations on working on fiction. Hope it works out well for you. Have a great weekend.
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You know, I just published my latest book and your thoughts are going along with my thoughts: How to engage readers. I also noticed the option of free books. It can be a teaser but not in the long run. As you said, there are too many who throw their books on the market for free. I don’t want to become rich from my books, I only want them to be read but there is one thing that I heard from my childhood on: if it costs nothing it is worth nothing. And I think this counts for books too. Unfortunately, I noticed not much support so I am trying to find ways to promote my book(s). It is really not easy.
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You are right, Erika. It is not easy. Your books are for a specific audience – people who are seeking better lives, enlightenment and change. Marketing to that group of people is not easy as lots of them choose to stay away from social media. It’s a challenge, for sure. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. And I wish you the very best! Hugs!
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Of course, Jan!
I think, in my case there is both. Those who stay away, and those who are seeking even too much which overwhelms them too. As you said, it is not easy.
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I love to read, Jan and I know you do too. However, the last few years I noticed books advertised for sale everywhere. FaceBook is full of book ads. I look at those books and they have hundreds or more reviews. But the power of these ads really had me wondering. So, I checked out the reviews. Most of these books have one line reviews! The self published book market is saturated with free books. I’ve checked out many of these books and some are good, but many are not too good. I wonder if “free” has become associated with books that can’t sell? Only a guess, but I often make more money from KU readers than I do selling books each month! I write mostly poetry and short stories with interesting facts sprinkled in between. My audience is from WordPress and a few select friends. Social media has everyone worn out. Prices for books has risen. Even my KU subscription is going up and Amazon sent out an email raising the cost of printing books. Inflation has a lot to do this… that’s the accounting part of my brain looking at the situation from all angles.
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Thank you for your comment, Colleen. Your statement, ‘social media has everyone worn out’ rings true with me. I’m worn out from social media, yet I feel like I have to keep making an attempt. It’s the never-ending hamster wheel. I subscribe to KU and love getting books through that medium. At least I know the author is getting some monetary reward when I read through KU as opposed to a free book. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are full of book ads. Do they work? Maybe for some. I’ve never really seen any significant ROI on any ads I’ve run. It all gets so wearisome and especially on days when I spend more time dealing with marketing than I do writing something new. I’m gearing up for a change. I appreciate your accounting insight and ability to look at a situation from all angles. Have a great weekend! Hugs!
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Jan, we’re all in the same boat. I’m not sure there’s an answer except to keep trying. I’m with you, my friend. I wish I had unlimited funds to buy all the books I wanted. I’d start a library for the self published authors I love!
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Agree with everything, Colleen. I am sad–but not surprised–that KU is increasing their price (and Kindle is increasing their printing costs), but I’ll remain a member. I get a ton of books from KU.
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Same here, Jacqui. I won’t stop reading! I’m not sure what to do to get our books in front of readers. Jan does a lot of in-person sales. I wonder how many of us have those opportunities? I’m thinking book fairs, Christmas fairs, things like that. The booth costs are often costly. All I can do is to keep reading and writing reviews. 💖
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Me too, Jacqui.
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Hi Colleen, I also got that post from Amazon about the increase in prices (it is not unexpected) and have had to update my pricing.
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I need to do update my prices, as well. It’s not unexpected for me either. My KU subscription went up too. 💖
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Great post, Jan. The industry was vastly different 10 years ago. Personally, I believe the market is saturated with freebies. And readers pick and choose those over ones they have to pay for. I’ve spoken with readers at B&N and in my own book club group. Those who I’ve spoken with (and are avid readers) say there’s so many books out there and they don’t have time like they used to for reading. If they do pick up a book, it’s usually an author they’ve come to know and like. Yet there are those readers who continue to look for new authors in the genre they enjoy, but again, there are so many to choose from. And some readers actually told me they’ll pick up a freebie over paying for a book. I grumbled inwardly after this response. Yes, during the pandemic, readers had time to pick up a book and sales increased. Now, everyone is so busy and social media seems to be a focus. Don’t understand.
What is my plan? To continue to write my stories without worrying if the book will soar or sink in sales and/or readership. If I gain one new reader, I’m happy. I’ve already considered myself blessed to be a published, successful author. And each of us here is a gem! So many great responses to your post, too.
Whew! Didn’t mean to write a book, lol! Your post is one me and other authors have been discussing since late last year.
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Thank you for your comment, Mary. This is something authors are discussing everywhere, and my recent experiences brought it to the forefront for me. You are right about things being so different from ten years ago. I, too, published my first book in 2013. It feels like a scramble nowadays to keep up with a constantly changing industry. And while I do think readers will pick up a freebie over purchasing a book, I don’t think giving books away helps with sales. Kindle Unlimited has been a good avenue for me as a reader. I like your plan and your gratitude. Indeed, it is a blessing to be a published author, and to get feedback from readers is the icing on the cake. I appreciate you chiming in! Hugs!
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I am one of those who rarely downloads freebies anymore unless I know the author. I have over 1000 books on my kindle, and I barely have time to read the ones on my TBR list. It doesn’t make sense to keep downloading books just because they are free.
Life is SO busy for me that I barely have time to read. The only time I read nowadays is when I sit in my sauna because I’m sequestered there. Otherwise, I am nonstop and “doing”. I miss having more time to read.
Like you, I write whatever story is whispering to me. I don’t have much time for writing, either, which is why I’ve gravitated to poetry more because it doesn’t take as much time. I’m hoping to finish a short story and work on my WIP novel this summer. I don’t worry about my audience, but I do write with a certain genre in mind, which tends to have its own built-in audience.
Great post, Jan! I don’t think those stats will deter me from writing. I just enjoy it too much. 🙂
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Yvette, I think you just described most people’s busy lives. I am right there with you on the freebies. I seldom grab one. I have too many to read as it is and will never read them all in my lifetime. Therefore, I am convinced that giving away books does not garner more readers. I hope you find time this summer to indulge in some writing and reading. Thank you so much for leaving a comment today!
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Hi Yvette, your comment really resonates with me. I also like writing poetry books because they are easier and quicker and I can say the same thing in fewer and more powerful words.
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I don’t really think about how to get more people interacting. I just write what I feel.
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That’s the perfect attitude, Brenda! Thanks for chiming in.
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No one would ever accuse me of being optimistic, but I look at it like this (when I’m trying to put a good spin on things).
I have no stats to back this up, but I feel like the number of people who read for pleasure is decreasing. With the world’s population increasing, that means an even smaller percentage of readers. But big picture time… with eight billion people on the planet, even if only the tiniest fraction are readers, that’s still thousands if not millions of potential readers. We all know not every book will appeal to every reader, but I believe every book will appeal to some readers. There’s an audience out there for all of us.
How to find it? That I don’t know. But I remain certain there’s a way to do it. And if we crack the code, our truest fans will find us.
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I love your comment, Staci, and your comment about not being optimistic made me smile. You share some pretty amazing statistics, and you are right about even a tiny fraction of the 8 billion people on the planet is still thousands. It’s true that not every book will appeal to every reader, but again, you hit the nail on the head with the statement that every book will appeal to some readers. Crack the code? Heck, every time I feel like I get close, then change the code and insert a new secret password. 🙂 Thank you for your comment!
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Yeah, the fact that algorithms and methodologies constantly change is a problem. I’m always behind the curve. But I keep trying!
Have a great weekend. Hugs. 💕
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Love your reply. I agree.
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I think Darlene is right when she says “Reading is still considered a luxury when it comes to time.” People I know spread their time across multiple entertainment offerings, not the least of which is “news.” I put that in quotes because I don’t know the symbol for air-quotes. One of my beta readers said he enjoyed the book and couldn’t remember the last time he read a novel. He’s retired, older and busier than I am. Like you, I’m not sure and I don’t think much about my target audience. I think it’s too broad to say, “people who enjoy a good story.” That’s what I try to write, and I will continue. I’m happy with the number of books I’ve sold, and I’m thrilled by the comments and reviews I’ve received.
Maybe people are tired of doing the things they did during the pandemic. Maybe the pendulum will swing back to the joy of reading. Maybe I’m a hopeless optimist. It will be interesting to see what others say.
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Your comment left me smiling, Dan. I do know time is a commodity, and most folks don’t have enough to do everything demanded of them on a daily basis. So, reading is a luxury, plus it’s an anti-social activity whereas watching TV can be enjoyed with others. I’m so glad to hear you were pleased with the sales of your books. Congratulations on that!
I love that you are a hopeless optimist. The world needs more of those. Thank you so much for visiting and chiming in today!
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I’m like you, Jan. I don’t stop to think of my target audience when writing. And the genre I write in is saturated. Still, I don’t care to write things like sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopian. If I had to write those things, I’d get out of the business.
I’m not sure what the answer is. Interestingly, I read a friend’s post on Facebook a few days ago that stated research shows the kinds of today read more than people of our generation did. I find that hard to believe, but another friend who leads a youth group agreed. Maybe there is hope for the future.
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I definitely find that hard to believe, Joan. And statistics show otherwise. When I was growing up, we had no TV, had never heard of a computer, and read every book I could get my hands on. Maybe I was an exception, but other kids I knew read, too. As others have said, our world is over-stimulated, and many folks have a hard time settling down enough to focus on words. We shall see what happens, but I always try to have hope for the future. Thanks for your comment.
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I didn’t believe it either, and I almost asked for a link to the survey. I was like you. I read every book I could get my hands on. I think this friend was speaking from a mother’s perspective to defend Gen Z (or whatever it’s called these days) from those who don’t have a favorable opinion of most of today’s youth.
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We’ve talked about this a few times in our super-secret Story Empire lair. I’ll be interested in the comments you get today. I think the world has too many other options these days. Without TikTok, maybe Montana will show an increase in book sales.
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You are right, Craig. The world has too many other options that may or may not be more gratifying or stimulating to them. And TikTok was just another noisy distraction for people. It’s an interesting dilemma. Thank you for chiming in. I hope you’ll come back throughout the day to see what others have to say.
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I was talking with a friend the other day who asked if I was working on another book. Of course I am, because I always am, but then she said, “I can’t read.” She didn’t mean that she doesn’t know how to read, but that a book can’t sustain her attention. I think that’s true for a growing number of people. I think we as a species are so over-stimulated that our attention spans are suffering for it. And yes, the market is also oversaturated with books, both free and not. I’m discouraged, too. I also know that there will likely never be a time when I’m not writing, but my dreams of what happens to all those words has changed. I’m not convinced the world wants them. At least not in this moment.
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I have heard the same comment, Sarah. I’ve had some people tell me they fall asleep when they try to read and some that say they have ADHD and concentrate. I call BS on that one because my granddaughter, who reads avidly, has been diagnosed as an ADHD child. I do think everyone is over-stimulated visually, and words are, well…just words until they aren’t. It’s our responsibility as writers to write the most compelling stories we can. What happens after that is not up to us. It is discouraging, though. Thank you so much for your comment! Hugs!
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I have an ADHD son who is an avid reader, but he does have to hyperfocus on it. If it doesn’t completely capture him, then it can be tough.
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That is sad to hear. During the pandemic, folks were reading again and book sales were up. There was not much else to do and people who seldom read books were reading. Now that we are back to normal, so to speak, there are so many other choices as to how we spend our time. I think that is it, there are so many hours in a day and those hours get filled up quickly. Reading is still considered a luxury when it comes to time. I visit schools and the kids tell me they love to read, but I’m sure with their busy lives they don’t read as much as I did as a child. (with no TV, computers, extracurricular activities etc at the time)
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Very true, Darlene. I have one granddaughter that reads constantly. But as you say, electronics, games, and computers draw their attention much more than reading. I remember book sales rising during the pandemic. And you are right about folks having busy days. Also, reading is an anti-social activity, whereas watching TV can be enjoyed with others. It just is what it is. Thank you for your comment!
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